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Pretty Boy Floyd

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Lyrics & ChordsClick chords to see diagrams

Come and Egather 'round me, E7children, a Astory I will Etell
About PretB7ty Boy Floyd, the oEutlaw, OklahB7oma knew him wEell.
It was Ein the town of E7Shawnee on a ASaturday afteErnoon,
His wife bB7eside him in the wEagon, as iB7nto town they rEode.
There a Edeputy sheriff apprE7oached him in a Amanner rather Erude,
Using B7vulgar words of aEnger, and his wB7ife, she overhEeard.
EPretty Boy grabbed a E7log chain; the Adeputy grabbed his Egun,
And B7in the fight that fEollowed he lB7aid that deputy dEown.
Then he Etook to the trees and E7timber to Alive a life of Eshame,
Every B7crime in OklahEoma was aB7dded to his nEame.
Yes, he Etook to the river E7bottom aAlong the river Eshore,
And B7Pretty Boy found a wEelcome at eB7very farmer's dEoor.
The Epapers said that E7Pretty Boy had Arobbed a bank each Eday,
While he was B7settling in some fEarmhouse, three hB7undred miles awEay.
There's Emany a starving E7farmer the Asame old story Etold,
How the B7outlaw paid their mEortgage and sB7aved their little hEome.
Others Etell you 'bout a E7stranger that Acome to beg a Emeal,
And B7underneath his nEapkin left a tB7housand-dollar bEill.
It was in EOklahoma E7City, it was Aon a Christmas EDay,
There came a B7whole carload of gEroceries wB7ith a note to sEay:
‘You Esay that I'm an E7outlaw, you Asay that I'm a Ethief,
B7Here's a Christmas dEinner for the fB7amilies on relEief.'
Yes, as Ethrough this world I've E7rambled I've seen Alots of funny Emen,
Some will B7rob you with a sEix gun, and sB7ome with a fountain pEen.
But as Ethrough your life you'll E7travel, wherAever you may Eroam,
You won't B7never see no oEutlaw drive a fB7amily from their hEome.

All chords in this song (4)

The story behind the song

This song comes from Woody Guthrie, a pivotal figure in American folk music whose work often explored themes of American socialism and anti-fascism. Though initially left off his 1940 album Dust Bowl Ballads due to its length, "Pretty Boy Floyd" embodies the spirit of an artist known for his ballads and improvised works. Playing this song connects you to a legacy of music that continues to inspire politically and musically.

AI-written from these sources:Dust Bowl Ballads — Wikipedia ↗Woody Guthrie — Wikipedia ↗

🎸 Tips from players

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Chord Book

670,000+ free guitar chords · free-chords.com

Pretty Boy Floyd

by Woody Guthrie

Lyrics & chords · Original key

Chords in this song · guitar

E E7 A E

Come and gather 'round me, children, a story I will tell

B7 E B7 E

About Pretty Boy Floyd, the outlaw, Oklahoma knew him well.

E E7 A E

It was in the town of Shawnee on a Saturday afternoon,

B7 E B7 E

His wife beside him in the wagon, as into town they rode.

E E7 A E

There a deputy sheriff approached him in a manner rather rude,

B7 E B7 E

Using vulgar words of anger, and his wife, she overheard.

E E7 A E

Pretty Boy grabbed a log chain; the deputy grabbed his gun,

B7 E B7 E

And in the fight that followed he laid that deputy down.

E E7 A E

Then he took to the trees and timber to live a life of shame,

B7 E B7 E

Every crime in Oklahoma was added to his name.

E E7 A E

Yes, he took to the river bottom along the river shore,

B7 E B7 E

And Pretty Boy found a welcome at every farmer's door.

E E7 A E

The papers said that Pretty Boy had robbed a bank each day,

B7 E B7 E

While he was settling in some farmhouse, three hundred miles away.

E E7 A E

There's many a starving farmer the same old story told,

B7 E B7 E

How the outlaw paid their mortgage and saved their little home.

E E7 A E

Others tell you 'bout a stranger that come to beg a meal,

B7 E B7 E

And underneath his napkin left a thousand-dollar bill.

E E7 A E

It was in Oklahoma City, it was on a Christmas Day,

B7 E B7 E

There came a whole carload of groceries with a note to say:

E E7 A E

‘You say that I'm an outlaw, you say that I'm a thief,

B7 E B7 E

Here's a Christmas dinner for the families on relief.'

E E7 A E

Yes, as through this world I've rambled I've seen lots of funny men,

B7 E B7 E

Some will rob you with a six gun, and some with a fountain pen.

E E7 A E

But as through your life you'll travel, wherever you may roam,

B7 E B7 E

You won't never see no outlaw drive a family from their home.

About Pretty Boy Floyd Chords by Woody Guthrie

Learn how to play Pretty Boy Floyd by Woody Guthrie with free guitar chords, lyrics, and interactive chord diagrams. Search for “Pretty Boy Floyd chords”, “Pretty Boy Floyd guitar chords”, or “Woody Guthrie Pretty Boy Floyd chords” and you will find this page — transpose to any key, tap chords for diagrams, and use auto-scroll while you play. Perfect for beginners looking for easy Pretty Boy Floyd chords and for experienced players who want accurate Pretty Boy Floyd lyrics and chords in one place. Common chords in this song include E, E7, A, B7.

FAQ — Pretty Boy Floyd by Woody Guthrie

How do I play "Pretty Boy Floyd" by Woody Guthrie on guitar?

Open the free chords for "Pretty Boy Floyd" by Woody Guthrie on Free Chord Book. Tap any chord to see its diagram, use transpose to change the key, and turn on auto-scroll to play hands-free.

Are the chords for "Pretty Boy Floyd" by Woody Guthrie free?

Yes. The chords for "Pretty Boy Floyd" by Woody Guthrie are 100% free on Free Chord Book — no sign-up required.

Can I transpose "Pretty Boy Floyd" to a different key?

Yes. Use the transpose buttons on the song page to shift "Pretty Boy Floyd" up or down by half-steps so it matches your vocal range or capo position.

Can I see chord diagrams for "Pretty Boy Floyd"?

Yes. Tap any chord in "Pretty Boy Floyd" to instantly see an interactive guitar chord diagram with alternate fingerings.

Is "Pretty Boy Floyd" easy to play on guitar?

Many players learn "Pretty Boy Floyd" by Woody Guthrie with our free chords. Use transpose and chord diagrams to simplify tricky shapes, and browse related songs by Woody Guthrie below.

What key is "Pretty Boy Floyd" in?

The chords for "Pretty Boy Floyd" show the original chord names (including E, E7, A, B7). Use transpose to move the song into any key that fits your voice or capo.